I often hear riders say, “I’ve tried everything, and nothing works.” It’s a tough place to get to and I am always grateful that these riders are sharing this and aren’t sitting in that feeling alone. The great thing about this sentiment is that it is born from frustration combined with a genuine desire to […]
What I will be saying as I go in to the ring this year: mindset change
With the new year in full swing and a new season approaching, I am excited to be starting the year in such a better frame of mind to last year. I feel stronger and ready to take on whatever challenges 2020 will bring. That moment before the clock strikes midnight is always so significant to […]
How long is ok to be ‘faking’?
The last few weeks have been quite intense; highs (Jack and I qualified for HOYS), lows (34 degree heat stopping play) and some middly stuff too (nearly falling off at a cross pole.) It’s been quite a lot for my brain to process to be honest. I found myself drifting back into my low place […]
Bottle it – step 3 on the road to confidence
Confidence, I have realised, is like a bottle of wine or gin. Whichever you prefer. To really excel and be full of confidence, you need a full bottle. (Definitely a metaphor, please drink responsibly!) My confidence has been pretty rock bottom in recent years but, this week, I had a bit of a realisation. My […]
How far we have come
We took Jack to Wellington on Saturday to do some show jumping. I made an error at fence 8 and had it down. I was annoyed with myself but took the lesson and moved forward. Then my mother said 5 magic word “Look how far you’ve come.” A few months ago, if Jack had so […]
I hate bullies.
There is an anti- bullying campaign at the moment and bullying is sadly a very relevant topic in the horse world. I have been to various yards over the years and am amazed by the differences when it comes to atmosphere. I am an expert on bullies! Being vertically challenged was like catnip to bullies […]